Friday, 9 February 2024

The Upper Room Discourse 71

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John 17:11 I am no longer in the world; but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name that You have given Me, so that they may be one just as We are.

Let me ask you a question ... Do you believe that when Yeshua prays, His prayers are effective? How would Scripture itself answer that question?

Jacob 5:16b The effective prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.

A "righteous person" in Hebrew is called a Tzadik. Yeshua is our Tzadik. Most orthodox Jews believe their head rabbi (there are different ones leading different groups), called a "Rebbe," is a "tzadik." However; we followers of Yeshua, believe that Yeshua alone is the only true tzadik Who ever lived. Of course, His prayers are effective.

So, here in John 17, when Yeshua prays for our protection and provision, saying, "Keep them," Father God (to Whom Yeshua is praying) hears.

Rabbi Trail: Biblical "hearing" is always active (more like heeding). God both hears and does to show Himself strong. He wants us to know He hears His children. End RT.

When Yeshua prays, "Keep them," we become "kept" people. This means we have God's provision in our lives. Moses is giving all the children of Israel some final words of encouragement ... Deuteronomy 31:6 Chazak! Be courageous! Do not be afraid or tremble before them. For Adonai your God - He is the One who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you. Later, these words are repeated specifically to Joshua ... Joshua 1:5 No one will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you.

There is no greater honor than to be kept by the perfection of God's character. The promise is that we are kept free from the stain of sin in the world. John 15:19b But you are not of the world, since I have chosen you out of the world ...

Our faith in this promise of God's provision in our lives leads us to unity together with Him. Two verses come to mind, and I want to end with them today.

Philippians 4:19 My God will fulfill every need of yours according to the riches of His glory in Messiah Yeshua.

2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that by always having enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work.